THE WASTELAND POETS
Artist Overview
The Wasteland Poets are Abby Ray and Cory Hillman, a Northeast Ohio acoustic duo known for authentic live performances that fuse powerhouse vocals with haunting, ghostlike guitar work. Blending alternative rock, country, and blues, their music delivers raw, emotional storytelling, dubbed Gothic/Folk, that resonates long after the last note fades.
Full Bio
Formed in 2011, The Wasteland Poets are Abby and Cory Hillman — a Northeast Ohio-based duo recognized for their fiery acoustic performances, commanding vocals, and deeply emotive songwriting. Together, they’ve crafted a sound that is both cohesive and intimate, seamlessly blending influences from alternative rock, country, and blues into a style that connects with audiences of all ages.
Over more than a decade of collaboration, the duo has selected 12 original songs from their catalog, that reflect their perspective on the world around them. Their lyrics explore themes of addiction, resilience, political corruption, social conformity, and the human condition, while their music balances eerie, atmospheric guitar work with soulful, powerful vocals. This dynamic has earned them a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most authentic and memorable live duo acts.
In 2026, The Wasteland Poets will release their debut full-length album, December Insomnia — a record 12 years in the making. Recorded at Lava Room Recording Studios in Cleveland, OH and engineered by Ryan Barrat, and mastered through Lava Room Recording. Capturing the intensity of their live performances while preserving their raw authenticity, the record marks a defining moment for the duo.
The Wasteland Poets have performed across Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee, with notable appearances at the Ohio State Fair, Wahlburgers Cleveland, and Nashville’s Music Row stages, including The Tin Roof and The Red Rooster. With an expanding Midwest tour schedule and a growing following, they continue to establish themselves as a must-see act whose performances leave a lasting impression.
Music
December Insomnia (2026)
- 12 original tracks
- Recorded at Lava Room Recording Studios (Cleveland, OH)
- Engineered by Ryan Barrat
(Spotify / Apple Music Coming Soon)
Press Quotes
Coming Soon!
Performance Highlights
- Ohio State Fair
- Wahlburgers Cleveland
- Nashville Music Row stages
- The Tin Roof
- The Red Rooster
- Touring across OH & MI
- Upcoming shows at Catawba Island Club and Winery Venues
Artist Details (Quick Facts)
- Genre: Acoustic Rock / Alt Country / Blues / Folk / Pop
- Location: Northeast Ohio
- Members: Abby & Cory Hillman
- Set Length: 120-180 min.
- Material: Original songs + select covers
- Years Active: Since 2011
Contact / Booking
- Email: thewastelandpoets@gmail.com
- Phone: 419.496.1707
- Website: thewastelandpoetsband.net
Socials
- Face-to-face.
The Wasteland Poets
Booking Inquiries:
LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW
“"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy". ” - Martin Luther King, Jr., Clergy, Civil Rights Leader